"Forcing Iraqi civilians on to a charter flight to Baghdad is inhumane. Many Iraqis have fled Saddam's persecution or the risks of being killed in the insurgency and have lived with their families as refugees in the UK for years."

Hussein, one of the Iraqis said to be facing deportation, told the IFIR he could be killed if he returned to his homeland.

"I'm from Baghdad. I'm a Sunni - I have a big problem with a Shia party. They've used their influence to imprison my brother and they're looking for me.

"If I'm deported I know 100 per cent I'm going to be killed."

The IFIR is planning a demonstration later on Wednesday to oppose the government's alleged move.